Why terrarium plants grow slowly

Growing these plants in a pot, propagating them and then growing the new plants in a terrarium is the ideal flow for us. That way, we can speak to every step of the process. Also, if you have any feedback on how to make the Terrarium Plant Index even better — please leave me a comment below.

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There really is a lot to consider when judging if a plant is a good fit for a terrarium. What is a Terrarium Plant? The shingling term probably comes from the way the vines form tight rows of overlapping leaves, which tend to grow up the sides of trees towards the light.

Personally I think they look more like rattlesnake tails. Commonly known as Pothos, these beautiful aroids grow incredibly well in terrariums. Syngonium are a genus of stunning tropical plants with distinctive arrowhead shaped leaves and often beautiful variegation. Thankfully for us, S. Though, Syngonium species tend to stay more in their immature form when constrained to terrarium environments, so you might find they adapt to fit the space quite well.

Dischidia are the often overlooked cousins of the more popular trailing Hoya houseplants. Think broader, more vibrant or unique leaves. So, this group includes a lot of different plant types from lush tropical greenery, to shrubs and palm-like plants. As the foliage plants tend to be the real showstoppers of a terrarium, the plant genera in this section can provide some great options to adorn your project.

See for yourself! Even though several groups of them are known for their beautiful flowers, Begonias are in this foliage section because the types that we tend to use in terrariums are non-flowering. These come with foliage in such a wonderful variety of colours, shapes and textures.

They occasionally flower with reddish spikes, but some people prefer to pluck them to keep the plants looking clean. Maranta are another popular houseplant, that can be used in terrarium if you can find a small enough species. The oval shaped leaves develop in colour as the plant matures, making it an exciting addition to any terrarium. The Polka Dot Plant is another classic closed terrarium plant with striking foliage and an aggressive growth pattern.

This little shrub comes in a dizzying array of vivid colours from bright white to pink. To me, they look more ornamental than natural, but they make a strong feature plant in a terrarium.

Thanks to the power of science and intrepid explores we now have some new smaller cultivars that can fit in regular terrariums! Alocasia are another popular aroid found in homes around the world. So, there are lots of plants that thrive in the hot and humid environment of a closed terrarium but that also require good airflow to survive.

So, the plants in this list can be grown in closed terrariums, but only if your container has built-in ventilation e. You can also check out our Essential Guide to Tropical Terrariums for a full breakdown on how to both choose and use tropical terrarium plants for maximum visual effect and longevity.

Finally, you can head straight over to Etsy to have a look yourself, or check out the post 10 Etsy Sellers With Gorgeous Terrarium Plants for Sale to find out which shops are good for which plants!

After watering, leave the top open until the plants are dry to avoid fungal issues. If you do overwater, tilt the terrarium so that water pools in one area and sponge it up with paper towels. Closed terrariums naturally create high ambient air moisture. It can stimulate fungal issues. Ventilate the system afterwards until the leaves are dry. To keep your terrarium looking great and ensure light shines through, regularly clean the glass.

The outside can be wiped with commercial window cleaner, but be sure to use non-toxic products on the interior sides. Mineral deposits form white residue on the glass over time, especially if you use tap water.

If you have a very hard source, distilled water will save you some work. Wet a paper towel with the mixture and wrap it around a chopstick if your hands are too big to reach a tight space.

To give your terrarium a polished finish, take out and rinse any piece of hardscaping covered with grit or slime. Gently wipe or spritz off leaves that have been soiled during your exertions. Let the surface moisture dry before resealing the terrarium.

Sunlight will definitely heat up the interior, but the space is too small. Temperatures can quickly soar and roast your plants. Keep your terrarium in indirect light and let room temperature dictate their conditions. Make adjustments if the interior is noticeably different than the local temperature.

A closed terrarium recycles its air because the plants produce oxygen in light and consume it in darkness. This is a good time for maintenance. After you close the terrarium again, check that condensation reforms on the glass.

Terrarium plants are easy to care for because they grow more slowly in the limited conditions, but healthy plants do grow. Pruning is one of the main chores in keeping a terrarium healthy and attractive.

Check your plantings objectively. Subtle changes can accumulate and gradually crowd out your carefully created scene. There are three complications to pay attention to:. Air plants are also often called tillandsias. Tillandsias also require occasional grooming. Most tillandsias age and lose their colors, and spotting brown leaves on the plant is natural. You should trim these leaves or snip them off. Make sure to check for any pups before doing that.

If you notice a pup behind the old leaves, wait few weeks for it to grow before you remove those leaves. To keep the plants healthy inside the terrarium, you need to care for them occasionally. One of the procedures is cleaning a glass container.

Make sure to remove all the dust and excess water from the sides of the container. Otherwise, leaning plants touch the glass, which is often wet from condensation. Too much water and moisture in the terrarium causes formation of mold. The problem is, mold is infectious and can easily spread and contaminate other healthy plants. If you find any plant within the terrarium contaminated with fungus, remove it immediately. If only the leaves are contaminated, cut them off.

Make sure to regularly check the soil as well — you should replace it if contaminated with mold. If half of the terrarium is infected with fungus, you must start over again. Throw away infected plants and soil, and wash all design elements and container with hot soapy water.

Then, use new materials to make a new terrarium.